Ornate Ctenopoma - Microctenopoma ansorgii

Ornate Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma ansorgii

The Ornate Ctenopoma, Microctenopoma ansorgii, is a small African labyrinth fish with an elegant elongated body, rounded fins and beautiful orange-red barring that becomes especially intense in mature males. Also known as the Orange Ctenopoma, Ornate Climbing Perch or Pretty Ctenopoma, this shy but fascinating species is best suited to a mature, well-planted aquarium with calm tank mates, shaded cover and gentle water movement. It is a rewarding choice for aquarists who enjoy unusual African freshwater fish with natural behaviour and subtle, display-based colour.

Common Name:
Ornate Ctenopoma, Orange Ctenopoma, Ornate Climbing Perch, Pretty Ctenopoma, Rainbow Ctenopoma.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Microctenopoma ansorgii

Maximum Size:
Around 6–8 cm in aquariums, though FishBase records 5.4 cm standard length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to tropical Central Africa, including the Chiloango River and central Congo basin. It is associated with slow-moving forest streams, quieter river margins and densely vegetated areas where it can shelter among plants, roots and submerged cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean water is preferred.

Temperament:
Peaceful but shy and sometimes territorial with its own kind. Ornate Ctenopoma are best kept with calm fish that will not bully them or outcompete them at feeding time. Males may display or spar, especially when mature, so provide plenty of cover and visual barriers if keeping more than one.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. In nature, it feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, worms, insect larvae and similar prey. In the aquarium, offer frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae, small mysis and finely chopped meaty foods. Some individuals may accept small pellets or granules, but frozen and live foods are often important for settling and condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 75 litres is recommended for a single specimen or pair, with 100 litres or more preferred for a small group or mixed peaceful community. A well-structured aquarium with cover is more important than a bare open layout.

Behaviour & Activity:
A quiet, deliberate fish that spends much of its time among plants, wood and shaded areas rather than constantly swimming in open water. It may become more visible in a calm aquarium with small peaceful dither fish. Like other anabantoids, it has a labyrinth organ and may occasionally take air from the surface. Breeding males become more colourful and may build bubble nests among floating plants or surface cover.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful small to medium fish such as calm tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful barbs, small catfish and other non-aggressive species. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very boisterous barbs, fast-feeding fish that dominate food, and tiny fry or shrimp small enough to be eaten.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature aquarium with dense planting, floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter and shaded retreats. Gentle filtration and calm areas are preferred, as this species is not suited to very strong current. Keep the aquarium covered, with a warm air layer above the water where possible, as labyrinth fish can be sensitive to cold draughts when surfacing to breathe. Feeding may need patience, especially with newly imported fish, so offer small live or frozen foods.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Specialist import or captive-bred where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.